In addition to its spiritual role, the Romanian Orthodox Church is a great philanthropic force in the Orthodox nation. For example, the Archdiocese of Timișoara in western Romania spent more than $1 million in social endeavors last year alone.

It was reported at the diocesan assembly on January 19 that 13,725 people were helped through the diocese’s various programs, reports the Metropolis of Banat.

Among the activities highlighted at the assembly were work in the field of the protection of the rights of children, people with disabilities, people living with HIV/AIDS, the elderly with no one to take care of them, families with high social risk, and religious assistance in hospitals, prisons, children’s homes, old folks’ homes, and the army.

The total amount invested in the Archdiocese’s philanthropic work was $1,110,000 (4,644, 620 lei).

In particular, the case of a family from Satchinez with 7 children that received a house with 3 rooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, and all necessary amenities from the Archdiocese just before Nativity last year, and the Archdiocese’s work in purchasing and delivering medical equipment to remote villages was presented at the assembly.

OrthoChristian also reported in March about a Romanian family with 9 children that was given a house in the village of Parhida bought with funds collected from local villagers at the initiative of the local priests.